Which solar panel to buy

[threedogs]

What do you guys think of this panel ? for its weight (2.2 KG) seems to be ok.. but I could be wrong. It dosent have an MPPT controller so I will need to get that as well.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GISTA-12V...torefresh=true

Should be ok just wire it up with the MPPT controller at the battery end with a
50 amp anderson on the battery side and those mc4 connectors on the panel side.
As ET says connect the battery first then the panel.
Any reason for that style panel???

[Ronin]

thanx for your reply threedogs.

I like the fact that they are light weight and thin, so I can pack more bits when I go camping.

[threedogs]

so true,,, weight is the enemy.
That one you picked will still put back 5ah
into your battery, and with LEDs these days
less strain on the battery other than the fridge

[Ronin]

my plan (in theory) to skip the whole dual battery setup completely.

I have a cheap AGM deep cycle that was given to me. SO when I am driving I will have the fridge/freezer connected to the rear 12v cig socket that runs off main battery. Once I am at camp site, I will plug it into the spare deep cycle and connect the solar to the battery via a mppt controller.

[threedogs]

Perfect just buy one of those plastic battery boxes, I modified mine a bit fitting extra Merit and anderson plugs on it
Plus a Volt meter. You could charge that travelling via a dedicated outlet

[Ronin]

Any recommendation on a good MPPT controller ?

[threedogs]

I not the expert on them I just brought a 30 amp one with a LCD display
check earlier links

[the evil twin]

Yeah, agree.
During a trip a while back I looked at all the hassle of the traditional "heavier than lead, wacking great portable if your Hulk Hogan" panels.
Worked out how many hail storms I had been camping in (which is the only reason for the glass) and promptly sold the Bastards.

Bought 200 watts (2x50's, 4x25's) of light weight flexibles.

Total weight under 6 KG and fit where my 120 watt fold ups were with room to spare.
I can mix and match so a couple on the vehicle and some on the van or all on one or the other or whatever

[the evil twin]

Any recommendation on a good MPPT controller ?

90% of the MPPT Controllers on Ebay advertised as such aren't MPPT.
A true MPPT will be $100 or more retail
Tracer are about the cheapest http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10A-MPPT-...item20f657d82b

To tell if a Reg is a genuine MPPT look at the Max Solar Panel Input Voltage in the specs.
If it is like 100 volts or 150 volts or more then it will be an MPPT Controller
If it is 20 volts or so then it will be a standard old run of the mill PV reg

That is one reason why many people say there is no advantage to MPPT.
When they compare them they are actually comparing two standard Regs.

[threedogs]

Yeah, agree.
During a trip a while back I looked at all the hassle of the traditional "heavier than lead, wacking great portable if your Hulk Hogan" panels.
Worked out how many hail storms I had been camping in (which is the only reason for the glass) and promptly sold the Bastards.

Bought 200 watts (2x50's, 4x25's) of light weight flexibles.

Total weight under 6 KG and fit where my 120 watt fold ups were with room to spare.
I can mix and match so a couple on the vehicle and some on the van or all on one or the other or whatever

do you just spread them over the roof of your van and Patrol